Active Ingredients Encyclopedia: Know What Works
Active Ingredient Glossary
Every active ingredient in the BONSANA lineup, explained honestly: What the research says, who it’s suitable for—and which products contain it. No marketing fairy tales, no promises of a cure.
Anti-Aging & Glow
Retinol · Vitamin A RetinolThe gold standard for anti-aging—the best-supported ingredient, but it takes some getting used to.3 products →
BakuchiolBakuchiolThe plant-based retinol alternative: gentler, can also be used during the day.1 product →
Ascorbic AcidVitamin CThe classic glow-boosting ingredient against dull skin and dark spots.4 products →
Ferulic AcidFerulic acidThe vitamin C booster.Go to entry →
PeptidesPeptidesThe signaling molecules of skincare.Go to entry →
AdenosineAdenosineKorea’s under-the-radar anti-aging ingredient.Go to entry →
Ubiquinone · Q10Q10The energy coenzyme of skincare.Go to entry →
TocopherolVitamin EThe classic protective ingredient in almost every formula.Go to entry →
Camellia SinensisGreen Tea & MatchaAntioxidants from the teacup.Go to entry →
AHAAHA fruit acidsExfoliation without scrubbing.Go to entry →
Glycolic Acid · AHAGlycolic acidThe smallest and strongest AHA.Go to entry →
Lactic Acid · AHALactic acidThe gentle acid for beginners.Go to entry →
Mother-of-pearlMother-of-pearlThe classic source of radiance from the sea.Go to entry →
Moisture
Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic Acid The gold standard for hydration—visibly plumps the skin, explained honestly. 5 products →
Trending Polyglutamic Acid · PGA Polyglutamic Acid Binds more moisture to the surface than hyaluronic acid—the underrated booster. 2 products →
Collagen Collagen What collagen skincare can really do—and what it can’t. The most honest entry in the glossary. 4 products →
Glycerin Glycerin The underrated champion of moisture retention. Go to entry →
Aloe Vera Aloe Vera The classic moisturizer. Go to entry →
Honey Honey Sweet skincare with a history. Go to entry →
Blemished Skin & Pores
In Demand: Niacinamide · Vitamin B3NiacinamideThe all-around solution for pores, redness, and dull skin—for almost every skin type.3 products →
Salicylic Acid · BHASalicylic AcidThe oil-soluble acid that penetrates the pore—the gold standard for treating blemishes.4 products →
ZincZincThe sebum regulator.View entry →
Activated CharcoalActivated CharcoalThe adsorbent — setting the hype straight.View entry →
Melaleuca AlternifoliaTea Tree OilThe botanical clarifier.View entry →
Soothing & Barrier
Centella Asiatica (Cica)The K-Beauty soother for sensitive, stressed skin. 3 products →
Panthenol · Provitamin B5PanthenolThe soother for stressed skin. View entry →
CeramidesCeramidesThe building blocks of the skin barrier. View entry →
Avena Sativa (Oats)Colloidal soothing for sensitive skin. View entry →
Oils & Butters
Squalane SqualaneThe lightweight oil identical to the skin.View entry →
Simmondsia ChinensisJojoba OilThe liquid wax the skin recognizes.View entry →
Cocos NuciferaCoconut OilLoved, hyped—but not for every skin type.View entry →
Butyrospermum ParkiiShea ButterRich care from West Africa.View entry →
Lips & Protection
Lanolin Lanolin The classic lip balm for generations. View entry →
Cera Alba Beeswax The natural protective layer. View entry →
Menthol · Camphor Menthol & Camphor The tingling sensation with a purpose. View entry →
Hair & Scalp
Caffeine Caffeine A pick-me-up for tired eyes and the scalp. 4 products →
Rosmarinus Officinalis Rosemary The scalp herb. Go to entry →
Argania Spinosa Argan Oil The gold of Morocco. Go to entry →
Macadamia Oil Macadamia Oil The lightweight care oil for hair and skin. Go to entry →
The glossary is growing:
New active ingredient entries are added regularly. You can also find all entries in chronological order in the
glossary archive
—and the detailed application guides in the
beauty magazine
.
